Jan 3, 2014
As an avid Oregon Ducks fan I looked forward to November 7th 2013 for almost a year. It was the programs chance to upend the team who had ruined their chance to play Alabama for a BCS title. When November 7th came I found myself from play number one enjoying very little of the game. Not because of what was happening, but because I was expecting instead of hoping.
With every touchdown the Ducks scored this season I found myself waving my finger as Chip Kelly and Mark Helfrich so famously do, saying to myself let’s go, on to the next one, instead of enjoying the touchdown and the lead they had accumulated. This view of expecting the Ducks to dominate instead of hoping they would, took the fun out of the game.
The exact opposite occurred during the Oregon Ducks basketball run this year. I had no expectations of the team going into the year, but as the tournament approached I was beyond excited. I enjoyed every single win. I also enjoyed the game against Louisville in the Sweet 16. Why? Because I was filled with hope, not expectations. I was simply enjoying the run.
I urge anyone reading this who is an avid fan, stop expecting, it will ruin your time as a fan, but never stop hoping.
